Mid State Farmer's Co-Op — Local services in Columbiana

I'm very surprised at all the positive customer reviews for this business as I can't exactly say the same. We used these folks this summer to repair our lawn mower and what I can say positive is they were pretty accommodating. Their labor rates were fair as well. Where I take issue with this business is the poor communication and follow up. We spent over $3,000 with them this summer on our mower, purchased several hundred dollars in parts and fluid from them and were never followed up with or called back after several attempts to reach Bobby the mechanic and shop manager. The major problem with this business is there is only one person there that knows what's going on and can answer any questions and that's a guy named Bobby. Bobby is never available because he is constantly tied up with repairs and the people who answer the phones can do nothing but take a message. To make matters worse, Columbiana Co Op is the only authorized service center for Hustler mowers for 3 counties which means they have more repair business then they can handle. The company is foolishly unwilling to hire anyone else to help with the work load and no one else is even the slightest bit trained to assist with any technical questions. The business in my opinion is just very inefficient and even unprofessional in the way that they operate. I will also add on a side note that Hustler's distribution center was contacted by us several times and we were never contacted back after several calls were made to them. It's my professional advice to who ever reads this to not buy a hustler mower! They do not have enough service centers to take care of you and if you have to rely on Columbiana Co Op you are going to be in a bad position. Our hustler gave us a lot of trouble after only 500 hours of use and gobs of money spent on it at this shop. Bobby will try to convince you that Hustler is the best thing out there since sliced bread but he is extremely mistaken. We have since decided to get rid of our mower and purchase another brand and of the biggest reasons we are choosing to do this is because we can not get our mower serviced anywhere but here. Hustler's partners were also unwilling to cooperate with us and help us in any way. My suggestion for brands you might consider for the Jefferson and Shelby county areas is Spartan, John Deere or Kubota. I have spent all summer researching the local market for zero turn mowers and I can say that these three are going to be your best options for quality of build and ability to get the machine serviced should you have a problem. I hope this...

I drive 30+ minutes to buy chicken feed here because it is half the price of anywhere else I've found in or around Birmingham. The quality is great and you can even specify the % of protein in the feed (I get 16% but they have 18% and 20% also). I get two 50 lbs bags for a total of $18! However the only chick crumbles that they had this spring was medicated so I prefer to switch them to unmedicated at a point. Other prices for what I usually get are equally reasonable. Just so you know, the have some items in the store, but you get your feed by going to the counter, telling them what you want, and paying for it inside. They'll give you two receipts--drive around back, give someone one of the receipts, and they load it for you in your car quickly. Always...

Stopped by the local feed and seed co-op to pick up a small electric fence charger for some livestock. Prices were fair and competitive, and they had everything I needed to complete my project.

For a smaller store, the variety they offer is impressive. They’ve got everything from equine supplies, livestock feed, and honey bee apiary gear to boots, hats, fertilizers, lawn equipment, flowers, and large animal supplies. They even have troughs and other farm essentials. I wouldn’t be surprised if you could buy feed by the ton—they’ve got large silos out back.

On top of that, there’s a small engine repair shop on-site, which is a nice bonus. Whether you’re tending to a farm, a garden, or just need quality supplies, this place has...